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Jan 1, 742
The Birth of Charlemagne
Around the estimated time of 742, Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was born in Francia. He was the son of Bertrada of Laon and Pepin the Short. Though historians know very little about the early life of Charlemagne, he was an intellectual and spoke about four different languages. Soon, Charles the Great was to become one of Europe's most influential leaders. -
Jan 1, 768
Charlemagne is King of the Franks
Though Charlemagne was considered King of the Franks in 768, it was not until his brother's, Carloman, untimely death in 771 when Charles became the true and sole ruler of the Franconians. Through this power, Charlemagne sought to expand the empire and unite all Germanic kingdoms into one. Soon after, he began conquering smaller empires such as the Avars and the Lombards. -
Sep 24, 768
The Death of Pepin
The death of Pepin the Short was a casualty by war due to campaigning in the Germanic regions. His reign was succeeded by his powerful and tactical son Charlemagne; however, there was twenty years or so of discussion whether Carloman or Charlemagne was rightful ruler. King Pepin's death is a significance due to the outcome of it. Charlemagne becomes ruler of the Franks and campaigns around Europe to finish what his father had started. -
Period: Jan 1, 771 to Jan 1, 804
The Saxon Wars
A three-decade long military campaign to end the Saxons, a confederation of Germanic tribes that caused many casualties on both sides; however, the wars resulted being a victory for the Franconians. Pivotal battles include the Massacre at Verden, Süntelgebirge, and the fort of Sigiburg. -
Apr 16, 778
The Birth of Louis the Pious
One of Charlemagne's 18 children, Louis the Pious succeeded his father due to the fact that he was the only male child who surivived to adulthood. He became King of Aquitane and Co-Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire; however, King Louis died at the age of 62 on June 20th, 840 AD. Though Louis wanted to rule a united empire, the constant quarreling of his sons caused civil havoc throughout Western Europe. -
Oct 1, 782
The Massacre at Verden
Also known as the Bloodbath at Verden, it took place in Lower Saxony, Germany. In the battle, King Charles slaughtered 4,500 Saxon captives, and this was only a response to the deaths of two envoys, four counts, and around 20 nobles in an earlier battle with the Saxons. Eventually, he forced the Saxons to convert to Christianity, and declared that anyone who didn’t get baptized or follow other Christian traditions be put to death. -
Aug 1, 799
The Siege of Trsat
The Siege of Trsat was a battle fought over the possession of the town of Trsat near the Croatian–Frankish border. The battle was fought in the autumn of 799 between the defending forces of the Dalmatian Croatia under the leadership of a Croatian duke and the invading Frankish army of the Carolingian Empire led by Eric of Friuli. The battle was a Croatian victory, and the Frankish commander Eric was killed during the siege. This was a major upset to Charlemagne; however, he was too busy. -
Period: Jan 1, 800 to Jan 1, 924
Carolingian Empire
The beginning of this empire was created due to the reign of King Charles the Great. Since Charlemagne was expanding and using his power for conquest, his kingdom soon formed the Carolingian Empire, which marked the final stage of Frankish reign. The Carolingian Empire during the reign of Charlemagne covered most of Western Europe due to his domination of all Germanic resistance. Of course, the empire was handed over to Charlemagne's children after his death. -
Dec 25, 800
Coronation of Charlemagne
On Christmas Day, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne, king of the Franks. The coronation took place in the St. Peter's Basilica and caused utmost controversey due to the tensions between the Eastern Empire and the Western Roman Empire. Pope Leo’s motivation for crowning Charlemagtne included an opportunity to reward the Frankish king for rescuing him and the need for protection from rebels. Crowning Charlemagne was the only way Pope Leo III could protect the papacy from the Eastern Empire. -
Jan 28, 814
The Death of Charlemagne
On this day, Charlemagne, king of the Franks, died at the age of 72 in Aachen, Germany. He was diagnosed with pleurisy, an inflammation of the pleura, which is the moist, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the rib cage. It causes chest pain and difficulty with breathing. Charlemagne was buried at the cathedral in Aachen. In the ensuing decades, his empire was divided up among his heirs.
